Week
37
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a
Sabol Brothers Kiridashi
, along with BladeForums branded gear!

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I second @Mo2. The import D2 has performed very poor in testing. AUS-8 is a much easier steel to sharpen and maintain, and when comparing these lower end knives will probably hold an edge longer as well. D2 is a tricky steel to heat treat correctly and a lot of these companies making these budget knives don't pay close attention to that. They just do it so you see D2 and perceive it as a great deal. That being said, the Ruike is 14c28n which is very nice for the price. Either one of the Rats in AUS-8 would be an excellent option as well.

I have the Steelwill Mini Cutjack in M390 and quite pleased with it. I tend to agree about the "foreign" D2 not being as good as the US stuff. I wouldn't call the Mini Cutjack slippery, but the handles are just slightly rough and I think just about right.

I have the Ruike P108 in 14C28N, and can tell you it's pretty good steel. I like it better than D2, in a folder. For a fixed blade, I like D2 better, as long as it is above about 60RC. But, the Sandvik steel used in the Ruike blades is easy enough to put a very nice edge on, and mine holds a good edge, as well. Don't obsess over steels, at least not this early in the game. They all work, just some better than others. Get what YOU like, and just use it to cut stuff. You will probably find it does most everything you need a knife to do reasonably well. And start saving for your next one. Because you'll get one, even if you don't really need it.

Just look at different knife sites. A very popular one is Blade HQ. I only mention them because you can choose the style blade you like, the size of the blade, the handle material, the steel, the price & more. Then see what's available. Make your decision from there. Then check around on this forum with the search tool & see if anyone is selling what your looking for. Watch You Tube videos. It's hard to pick your 1st knife because if your not happy, your gonna buy another & another. It won't ever end lol.

Tell ya what. My first nice folder was a spyderco Endura. Super knife. Beat the crap out of it working at my buddy's flower shop. Sent it back to Spyderco for a resharpen. Great Blade.
Just get a Spyderco for your first what ever model. You will love it